Participatory budget: the winning project is unveiled

During the special 2025 budget meeting, the Treasurer and Director of the Finance and Treasury Department, Marco Pilon, FCPA, OMA, unveiled the winning project of the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion’s 4th participatory budget, namely the Shared Community Orchard.

The voting period for the participatory budget ended on November 22, with the compilation of 962 votes. Citizens voted in favour of the Shared Community Orchard project proposed by Éric Jean, which received 391 votes.

This project aims to create a green space where citizens can grow and harvest fruit, fostering both biodiversity and social connections. A sum of $65,000 will be set aside in the 2025 budget for its implementation. This initiative is part of the aspiration to “develop a harmonious and sustainable living environment” included as part of the 2020 > 2025 Habité par ma ville strategic plan.

“The shared community orchard project, chosen by a majority of citizens, reflects our community’s growing interest in this type of initiative. This green space, dedicated to fruit growing and harvesting, will strengthen both biodiversity and social ties. Thank you to all for your commitment to a harmonious and sustainable living environment, which is perfectly in keeping with our 2020 > 2025 Habité par ma ville strategic plan. Congratulations to Éric Jean for this wonderful idea—one that has indeed rallied our fellow citizens,” stated Mayor Guy Pilon.

He warmly congratulated the promoters of the other proposals submitted for voting, in particular the cricket batting cage, an idea proposed by Jaryal Pankaj, the education park for cyclists presented by Annie Bouthillier as well as the all-season fishing amenities, brought forth by Benoit Giguère.

“These initiatives demonstrate our citizens’ incredible commitment to enriching our living environment. On behalf of the Municipal Council, I thank them for their creativity, involvement and the diversity of ideas they bring to our community,” added Mayor Pilon.

The participatory budget is an initiative that allows citizens to familiarize themselves with the budget process and basically involves citizens submitting a project and the City then carrying it out. The result is a wonderful collaboration between citizens and the departments involved. This participatory budget initiative is part of the aspiration to “develop a harmonious and sustainable living environment” included as part of the 2020 > 2025 Habité par ma ville strategic plan.